Strip resorts earn high marks from Green Key Eco-Rating Program

MGM Resorts International said 11 Strip resorts were given high marks by a program that audits and evaluates environmentally sustainable hotels operations.

The casino operator said its MGM Grand Detroit was also honored, marking the first resorts in Nevada and Michigan to earn marks from the Green Key Eco-Rating Program.

AAA, Travelocity, Expedia, and other major travel services use the designations as a guideline for making recommendations to travelers who are conservation-minded.

“This is the first time that our operations have been placed under this kind of microscope and the first time that our company’s everyday commitment to ‘green’ practices have been formally validated,” said Cindy Ortega, Senior Vice President of Energy and Environmental Services for MGM Resorts International.

“We see this rating as quite an accomplishment,” Ortega said.

CityCenter’s Aria and the nongaming Vdara Hotel earned “five keys,” the organization’s highest designation.

“Four keys” designations went to, Bellagio, Excalibur, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand Las Vegas, The Mirage, Monte Carlo, New York-New York and MGM Grand Detroit.

Circus Circus Las Vegas earned a “three keys” designation.